Travel Guide to Western Sichuan

Personal suggestions for Huanglong + Jiuzhaigou tour: 1. It takes about 5-6 hours to drive from Chengdu to Huanglong, passing through Wenchuan, Mao County, and Songpan County. The route from Chengdu to Wenchuan is a highway, and the rest is a mountain road with deep gorges. Accommodation can be chosen in the town of Songpan County or Chuanzhusi Town, which is the intersection of Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou, and Chengdu; it takes about an hour to depart from Chuanzhusi to Huanglong Scenic Area, and the tour time is about 4 hours. After visiting Huanglong, you can go to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou for accommodation, which takes about 2 hours, convenient for getting up early the next day to visit Jiuzhaigou. The Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is large and requires at least 7-8 hours. 2. It is recommended to take the cable car (80 yuan per person) to the highest point of Huanglong Scenic Area and then walk down (take the longest route on the right at the fork to see the most beautiful scenery), which is about 4-5 kilometers, taking 3-4 hours. 3. Visiting Jiuzhaigou: The ticket is 190 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus is 90 yuan per person; the tour route in the scenic area is adjusted according to the number of people that day. Must-see attractions: Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall, Five Flower Lake. The Long Lake and the Five-Color Pond are average and can be skipped. 4. About food and accommodation: Do not expect too much from food and accommodation in high-altitude areas, you may encounter undercooked rice and watery stir-fried vegetables; prices of goods inside the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area are 3-5 times higher than outside, but the scenic area is mature with reasonable and standardized settings, making it very convenient to purchase anything. 5. Altitude difference: The average altitude of the Chengdu Plain is 500 meters, the highest point of the Huanglong Scenic Area is the Five-Color Pond at 3900 meters, and the highest point of the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is the Long Lake at an altitude of 4010 meters, while the entrance of the valley is only over a thousand meters. 6. About altitude sickness: Personally, I don't think any preparation is necessary, but due to individual differences, you can bring your own oxygen bottles and Rhodiola rosea. 7. About the weather: If it doesn't rain, just prepare for sun protection; if it rains, it will be very cold, so prepare a coat, not too thick. Prepare raincoats and umbrellas in advance. Chengdu has many mosquitoes, so bring good anti-mosquito medication.